In its 30th anniversary year, the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) is rolling out local artwork across its fleet of ranger vessels for the first time.
An eye-catching piece Zugubaw Baydham by Badu artist Aiona Gaidan has been launched on three TSRA ranger vessels based out of Badu, Mabuyag and Mer following a scheduled full refurbishment.
It is the artist’s biggest piece and represents the star constellation used by ancestors to navigate the sea.
The artwork is inspired by the popular and distinct black and white lino cut technique used across the islands.
TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM said the new initiative would provide exposure for local artists on a total of nine existing TSRA ranger vessels.
“Torres Strait Islanders are seafaring people, so what better way to celebrate our art and culture than at sea,” Mr Stephen said.
“To witness artwork by our people out on the water as part of TSRA ranger operations is an achievement our staff and communities can take pride in.
“Art is part of our identity and connection, the new-look vessels are a visual reminder that culture is always at the heart of our work caring for land and sea,” he said.
TSRA Marine Co-ordinator Koeygab Pabai said the artwork was already making big waves around the Far North.
“Bala Aiona could not stop smiling when he saw the artwork in person for the first time,” Mr Pabai said.
“The artwork has had instant impact. Business owners who have seen the TSRA ranger vessel in transit in Cairns have already approached Aiona to create artwork for them, he can’t believe the interest from everyone,” he said.
The artwork will be applied across the full TSRA fleet as vessels go in for scheduled maintenance.
Learn more at www.tsra.gov.au or follow us on Facebook. #RealRangersRealStories
About the artwork
This artwork, Zugubaw Baydham, represents a star constellation that our ancestors used to navigate our seas.
When I was a little boy, my dad used to tell me stories about the Zugubaw Baydham, telling me that in his forefather’s timeme, when they went hunting at night they would look at the Zugubaw Baydham in order to know which way the tide is going.
At night if the Zugubaw Baydham sits really bright in the sky, you know that the weather is ok. If the Zugubaw Baydham is bright and little bit of milky way on top of the Baydham, you know that the weather is not good.
Zugubaw Baydham is essentially a weather and tide chart to my people.
We acknowledge this through dance and even today, I dance this Zugubaw Baydham star constellation dance.
Aiona Gaidan
About TSRA Rangers
TSRA’s Environmental Management Program – delivered by its Land and Sea Management Unit – aims to protect the ecological complexity and biodiversity of the Torres Strait region and recognise the strong and enduring connection of people to their islands and sea.
This program supports job opportunities for local people to combine traditional knowledge and Western science to care for land, sea and culture, including as rangers.
The TSRA Rangers started in 2009 with one ranger group on Mabuiag and has grown to 13 Ranger groups across 14 Torres Strait communities (13 islands) – supporting 60 funded roles, including 18 female rangers.
About TSRA
This year, TSRA celebrates its 30th Anniversary and the resilience, achievements and aspirations of the region.
Established on 1 July 1994, TSRA is a statutory body and the lead Commonwealth agency in the Torres Strait for Indigenous Affairs, operating under the direction of an elected Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Board.
As one of the most remote Australian Public Service agencies, TSRA supports programs across the Torres Strait region, including for the 17 inhabited islands of the Torres Strait and the communities of Bamaga and Seisia in the Northern Peninsula Area of mainland Australia.
The Torres Strait stretches 150 kilometres northwards from Cape York Peninsula to Papua New Guinea. The 48,000 km² area includes more than 270 islands and reefs.
